Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Health Care Workers on Universal Precaution in North Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, North Eastern Ethiopia, 2006
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Date
2007-04
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Addis Abeba university
Abstract
Background Employing universal precautions means taking precautions
with everybody. If precautions are taken with everyone, health care workers do
not have to make assumptions about people's lifestyles and risk of infection.
Objectives: The main objective of the study was to assess the knowledge,
attitude and practices of health care workers on universal precautions and
factors in health institutes.
Methods: This cross sectional health institution based survey was conducted
in North Wollo Zone from January through September 2006. The study has
used quantitative and qualitative methods. Statistical significance was
determined by computing mean variations using T test and one-way ANOVA
methods.
Results: - The response rate for quantitative method was 93.4%. The mean
knowledge score of health care workers was 2.53 ± (SD 1.17) and 156 (44.4%)
of the respondents had greater or equal to the mean score. Seventy-nine
(87.8%) of the observed injection practices was found to be unsafe to the health
care workers and clients or community. The overall hand hygiene adherence
rate was 28.34% ± (SD 27.58%). Correct hand hygiene practice has statistically
significant association with availability of water, alcohol, and participating on
UP trainings (OR (95% CI) = 6.89(2.66, 17.87), (OR (95% CI) = 3.95(1.46,
10.68), and (OR (95% CI) = 5.84(2.32, 14.72). Also female health care workers
better adhere to hand hygiene than male (OR (95% CI) = 0.15(0.06, 0.38).
According to the FGD’s result luck of supplies and facilities were the main
factors for unsafe practices in health institutes.
Conclusion: Considerable proportion of health care workers in North Wollo
had lacked proper knowledge, attitude and practice towards universal
precautions. Equally health care facilities in North Wollo were not adequately
prepared in supplying essential materials to safe practices. Providing training
on universal precaution to all health care staff and enhancing sustainable
supplies systems are recommended.
Key words: universal precaution, health care workers, universal precaution related
practice and hand hygiene.
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Keywords
Universal Precaution;, Health Care Workers;, Universal Precaution Related Practice and Hand Hygiene